Mulch is any material laid on the surface of the soil. It can be organic, such as compost, shredded leaves, or lawn clipping, or inorganic or synthetic, such as coarse sand, gravel, or plastic.
During the growing season, mulch can slow evaporation, inhibit and control weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In winter, mulch can protect perennial plants and the soil.
Not every mulch is right for every vegetable crop. Warm-weather crops such as peppers and tomatoes will benefit from plastic mulch which can help warm the soil in spring and later protect them from splashing soil. Cool-weather crops such as lettuce and cabbage will benefit from organic mulches which are water permeable and moisture retentive and keep the soil cool.
Benefits of mulching:
• Conserves soil moisture by decreasing water loss through evaporation.
• Improves soil structure by preventing erosion, compaction, and crusting. Soil erosion is decreased as the impact of heavy rainfall is reduced by mulch. Water is allowed to slowly infiltrate the soil; puddling and crusting can occur as the result of heavy rainfall or irrigation. Mulching reduces compaction when the soil is walked on and protects plnt roots and earthworms allowing them to continue their work.
Mulch is any material laid on the surface of the soil. It can be organic, such as compost, shredded leaves, or lawn clipping, or inorganic or synthetic, such as coarse sand, gravel, or plastic.
During the growing season, mulch can slow evaporation, inhibit and control weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In winter, mulch can protect perennial plants and the soil.
Not every mulch is right for every vegetable crop. Warm-weather crops such as peppers and tomatoes will benefit from plastic mulch which can help warm the soil in spring and later protect them from splashing soil. Cool-weather crops such as lettuce and cabbage will benefit from organic mulches which are water permeable and moisture retentive and keep the soil cool.
Benefits of mulching:
• Conserves soil moisture by decreasing water loss through evaporation.
• Improves soil structure by preventing erosion, compaction, and crusting. Soil erosion is decreased as the impact of heavy rainfall is reduced by mulch. Water is allowed to slowly infiltrate the soil; puddling and crusting can occur as the result of heavy rainfall or irrigation. Mulching reduces compaction when the soil is walked on and protects plnt roots and earthworms allowing them to continue their work.